DHS Releases Updated National Terrorism Advisory Bulletin

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released this week its most recent Terrorism Advisory Bulletin outlining the premier threats facing the nation. The Bulletin explains that the U.S. remains in a “heightened threat environment” and noted that recent attacks have “highlighted the dynamic and complex nature of the threat environment.” Further, DHS pointed to the proliferation of false or misleading narratives as mobilizing violence and the role of foreign adversaries in undermining U.S. democratic institutions and promoting violence.

First, the Bulletin noted the recent violent attacks by lone offenders against minority communities, schools, houses of worship, and mass transit as illustrative of the current threat environment. The Bulletin noted the risk online forums promulgating disinformation and fueling conspiracy theories regarding the Uvalde shooting as increasing the risk of copycat shootings. Specifically, the Bulletin noted that online forums have attempted to claim the school shooting was “a government-staged event meant to advance gun control measures.”

This section of the Bulletin continued to outline additional recent violent events, including the grocery store shooting in Buffalo, New York and the Taiwanese church shooting in Laguna Woods, California, and the alleged motives for these attacks.

Second, the Bulletin outlines the role of the spread of misinformation surrounding government policy decisions as encouraging domestic extremism.

The Bulletin noted three specific instances where policy decisions have resulted in a heightened threat of violent extremism: (1) the administration’s border policy, (2) the U.S. Supreme Court’s consideration of abortion rights, and (2) the upcoming mid-term elections.

Regarding border policy, the Bulletin notes an “increased risk of domestic violent extremism” by individuals who believe the federal government is failing to properly stem the flow of undocumented migrants into the U.S. The Bulletin explains that concerns about border policy may be used “to justify violence against individuals, such as minorities and law enforcement officials involved in the enforcement of border security.”

Regarding the Supreme Court, the Bulletin furthers, “individuals who advocate both for and against abortion have, on public forums, encouraged violence, including against government, religious, and reproductive healthcare personnel and facilities, as well as those with opposing ideologies.”

Roughly 24 hours after the Bulletin was issued, an armed individual was arrested near the home of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The individual was apprehended by the Justice’s security personnel and charged with attempted murder. The individual reportedly told law enforcement he wished to kill Justice Kavanaugh for the Justice’s views on abortion and gun control.

Finally, regarding the mid-term elections, the Bulletin concluded that calls for violence directed at democratic institutions, political candidates, party offices, election events, and election workers will likely increase.

In the Bulletin’s final threat assessment section, it identified the role of foreign actors who continue to attempt to undermine democratic institutions and inspire violence. The Bulletin outlines several recent terror incidents fueled by foreign adversaries including Al-Qa’ida, ISIS, and the pro-al-Qa'ida Malahem Cyber Army, as well as China, Iran, Russia, and “other foreign malign influence actors.”

The Bulletin continues to explain the action DHS and partners across government are taking to mitigate and respond to these threats. For example, the Bulletin notes “DHS and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) continue to share timely and actionable information and intelligence with the broadest audience possible.  This includes sharing information and intelligence with our partners across every level of government and in the private sector.  We conduct recurring threat briefings with private sector and state, local, tribal, territorial, and campus partners, including to inform security planning efforts.”

Additionally, DHS has reportedly provided over $250 million in funding in 2022 to support physical security enhancements for non-profit organizations at high-risk of terrorist attack.

Finally, the Bulletin provides resources for the public to remain informed and be prepared for potential attacks.

The current Bulletin expires on November 30, 2022, at 2:00pm.